Manchester City : unforgettable week-end at Manchester against the Citizens for RC Rouen !
From March 8 to 10, two youth teams from RC Rouen, joined by 4 reinforcements kids from AS Bondy, experienced a major highlight in theirs young football careers with an immersive weekend at the heart of one of Europe’s top clubs : Manchester City. A rewarding adventure, shared with several parents and clubs staff members.
An Exciting Arrival !
The adventure began on March 8 with their arrival at the hotel in Manchester. The atmosphere was already electric : with stars in their eyes, the children were getting ready for an unforgettable experience. This gathering immediately set the tone for a stay marked by sharing, respect, and a passion for football.
Immersion in the World of the Citizens !
The next morning, the group headed to the Etihad Stadium, the legendary home of Manchester City, for an unforgettable guided tour. From the locker rooms to the tunnel leading to the pitch, a virtual meeting with Pep, and the impressive stands, the young players soaked up the professional environment of their idols. The visit ended with a stop at the official store for a few sky-blue souvenirs.
High-Level Matchups !
The afternoon featured the sporting highlight of the weekend: four 30-minutes 7v7 matches against Manchester City's youth teams. A high-level, fast-paced series of games that truly showcased the skill of our young players :
- Team A achieved an impressive clean sweep: 4 wins in 4 matches, including an extraordinary comeback victory (5-4) after being down 3-0, against the first squad of Man City.
- Team B faced more challenges, with one win and three losses, but displayed great spirit and determination.
Weekend Standouts !
Three players particularly stood out during this English weekend:
- Martin, who dazzled Manchester City's coaches with two hat-tricks.
- Ismail, whose technical skills and game vision made the difference in key moments.
- Zlatko, strong in duels and crucial in organizing play and defensive phases.
Special Thanks !
A heartfelt thank you to the Manchester City staff, who welcomed us with warmth and outstanding professionalism. Their availability, the quality of the sporting support, and the attention given to our young players were key in making this experience truly unique. Their openness and engagement were also extremely valuable for our coaches.
An Adventure to Relive !
This trip to Manchester will remain etched in our memories, both for the richness of the experience and the human connections forged over the weekend. The children return having grown both as athletes and individuals, full of motivation for the rest of the season.
A big thank-you to all the organizers, parents, and partners who made this experience possible. We’re already looking forward to living this kind of adventure again... and we’ll see you on June 14 and 15 for another showdown with the Citizens !
